People
AP Govt. signs up with Viacom18’s brand solutions arm BE Viacom18 to promote tourism
MUMBAI: In a first of its kind initiative, media conglomerate Viacom18’s brand solutions arm BE Viacom18 has partnered with the government of Arunachal Pradesh to provide strategic consultation services to promote the tourism in the state. While BE Viacom18 had handled the strategic marketing and communication drive for Vivo when the Chinese handset brand marked its India debut, this deal with the Arunachal Pradesh government marks the company’s maiden foray into the PPP arena with a state government.
Commenting on the partnership, Saugato Bhowmik, Business Head, Consumer Products and Integrated Network Solutions, Viacom 18, said, “We are ecstatic to have inked a deal to boost the state tourism of Arunachal Pradesh. Viacom18 has entered a PPP Model with the state government, wherein we will conceptualize and create the best possible plan of action to make Arunachal Pradesh a ‘Must Experience’ location. This unique association in the Indian Media & Entertainment sector will see Viacom18 tap into the huge potential of government Non DAVP partnerships and leverage the group’s domestic and international media platforms. ”
BE Viacom18 will work closely with the state government to educate people about the unique highlights and various attractions of Arunachal Pradesh. In order to leverage the state tourism, BE Viacom18 will release a special Audio-visual brand film for Arunachal Pradesh tourism that will be reached out to audiences through the network’s broadcast channels. The promotions will also comprise media buys by BE Viacom18 as well as facilitating production houses from Bollywood and other film fraternities to shoot films, music videos, documentaries, television series, reality shows and also explore Strategic Business IP Partnerships on various cultural events in the state.
Commenting on the association with Viacom18, Joram Beda, Tourism Secretary, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh said, “Honorable Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu firmly believes that tourism is one of the areas that can generate revenues for the state. The focus for the government this year, thus lies in boosting the tourism sector and making Arunachal Pradesh a ‘Must See, Must Experience’ state. For the success of this vision, we need like-minded partners that see and understand our vision and can help us chart this path. Being one of the biggest media houses check for the right citation again of the country, we are pleased to have Viacom18 on-board to help us reach out to the right audience through a robust campaign.”
The partnership with Arunachal Pradesh marks yet another initiative by BE Viacom18 after being instrumental in launching global smart phone brand Vivo to Indian markets.
People
Devika Prabhu joins Sony Pictures Networks India as business head – Hindi movies
Former Disney Star executive returns to SPNI to steer the network’s Hindi movie business
MUMBAI: Devika Prabhu is heading back to familiar turf. The veteran media executive has joined Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) as business head – Hindi movies, marking a return to the broadcaster where she began her early leadership journey.
Prabhu announced the move on LinkedIn, calling it both a new beginning and a homecoming. Earlier in her career, she spent several years at SPNI—then Multi Screen Media—working on strategic planning for Sony Entertainment Television.
The appointment brings to SPNI a media strategist with more than 25 years of experience across content, programming, brand strategy and platform growth. Most recently, Prabhu served at Disney Star as vice-president and business head – kids, youth and infotainment TV, where she led the Disney Kids and National Geographic portfolios following the Disney–Fox merger.
During her tenure, she oversaw a Rs 400-crore P&L while pushing digital expansion, partnerships and operational efficiencies. Earlier roles at Disney Star included leadership across programming, acquisitions, marketing and product strategy for multiple networks, including the UTV movie channels and youth brands.
Prabhu’s career has also spanned building cross-platform intellectual property, developing kids and family content ecosystems, and forging international format partnerships. She was closely involved in bringing global formats and franchises to Indian audiences and is widely credited with helping shape India’s anime fandom into a mainstream youth phenomenon.
At SPNI, she will now lead the Hindi movies business at a time when film channels are rethinking their role in a fragmented viewing landscape. With audiences discovering cinema across television, streaming and digital platforms, the challenge is not just programming films but reimagining how they reach viewers.
Prabhu believes movies still hold a unique cultural power, sparking conversations and creating shared moments long after the credits roll.
Now back where part of her journey began, she is set to write the next act, this time from the business seat of Hindi movie television. Lights, camera, strategy.
